Pilot Award for Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer
Forecasted
UCSF's Pilot Award for Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer funds innovative research into the biology, prevention, diagnosis, care, and survivorship of colorectal cancer in people under 50.
Funder: University of California San Francisco
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (Fall Cycle, projected) | March 2027 (Spring Cycle, projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to $100,000 per award; project duration 12–24 months; not renewable.
Summary: Supports innovative research on young-onset colorectal cancer in individuals under 50, spanning biology, prevention, diagnosis, care, and survivorship.
Description
This award, administered by the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, is designed to foster research that advances the understanding, prevention, diagnosis, clinical care, and survivorship of colorectal cancer diagnosed in individuals under age 50. The program encourages innovative projects across clinical, basic, translational, and population health research, with particular emphasis on disease biology, risk factors, early detection, precision medicine, survivorship, and health equity.
Priority research areas include:
- Biology and molecular mechanisms of young-onset colorectal cancer
- Early detection, diagnosis, and prevention strategies
- Risk factors, including environmental, dietary, microbiome, and genetic contributors
- Precision medicine and novel therapies
- Survivorship, fertility, sexual health, and quality of life
- Patient navigation, supportive care, and psychosocial interventions
- Health equity, disparities, and access to care
- Implementation of community engagement to reduce diagnostic delays
Projects may be clinical, basic/translational, or population science in nature. The award is intended to generate preliminary data and support the development of larger, externally funded research programs.
